Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer Our client, a leading advanced engineering company with a global reach, is seeking a Senior Buyer to join their team in Eastbourne.   Reports to: Procurement Manager   Scope of Role   To provide support to the Procurement Manager by: Providing leadership and direction to the team, promoting a collaborative working culture. Co-ordinating daily tasks/priorities for the Procurement team. Encouraging the Procurement team to strive for best practice and providing training for the team as and when required. Maintaining Procurement focus on goals & objectives. Ensuring that supporting data and metrics are produced and kept up to date. - Assist in monitoring supplier performance and regular meetings with main suppliers. Supporting the team to ensure best value is received when making purchase decisions. Suggesting and producing new Procurement processes to support efficiency. Deputising for Supply Chain function when manager is unavailable. To manage the procurement and supply of a range of inventory components/miscellaneous requirements whilst complying with the following: - Achieving overall best value for money for the quality and quantity required. Ensuring that inventory is minimised and cashflow is maximised. Ensuring that all documentation and authorisation procedures are adhered to. Maintaining the best possible internal & external relationships whilst ensuring our client’s best interests are met. Day to Day Responsibilities Ensure the effective functioning of the Supply Chain process in the absence or, or as required by the Procurement Manager. Ensure all necessary information is communicated to internal/external customers. Source appropriate suppliers, negotiate contracts, place, and progress purchase orders to ensure successful and timely completion of the procurement process. Organise overseas freight where necessary. Issue requests for quotes (RFQ) and select best source consistent with cost, quality, and delivery requirements. Liaise with internal project teams and suppliers to achieve target pricing. Reviewing internal & external specifications to ensure purchases meet all customer requirements and implementing revisions where appropriate. Attending internal Contract Review meetings to agree and produce project timelines. Communicating regularly with internal stakeholders, being the purchasing point of contact to provide updates on supply chain performance and risks relating to specific projects. Leading regular internal & external meetings with colleagues & suppliers. Communicating supply chain risks to the Procurement Manager. Researching outsourcing opportunities and producing justifications to support changes to supply. Sourcing potential new suppliers/products and submitting recommendations. Efficient management of non-conformances and working with suppliers to produce successful corrective actions where appropriate. Analyse and reconcile invoice queries. Produce and publish supply chain metrics as required. Maintain MRP system accuracy, including lead-time, stock / non-stock decisions. Maintaining supply chain databases for close management of approved vendors. Support in more strategic efforts such as Supplier Management Reviews and Risk Mitigation Plans Participate in the company-wide quality improvement program, along with cost-reduction activities. Health and Safety Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states that it is the duty of every employee which at work: To take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work; and As regards any duty or requirement imposed on his employer or any other person by, or under, any of the relevant statutory provisions, to co-operate with him so far as is necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.   Skills and Abilities Previous relevant experience in a manufacturing environment is essential. Excellent communication and negotiation skills at all levels are essential. The ability to lead group discussions, make decisions within guidelines and take responsibility is vital. Strong organisational and time management skills is required. The ability to meet agreed time frames whilst working under pressure is important. Engineering competence in relation to pumps and components is valuable. Experience and competence in procuring motors and instrumentation is advantageous. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) accreditation or equivalent at any level is advantageous. Knowledge of J.D.Edwards One World XE would be beneficial. Requirement to travel to suppliers (domestic and some international) 5% of time Must be an excellent team player. Drive and enthusiasm are vital. Awareness of Lean/Six Sigma desirable